Bulgarians would rather settle in Germany, Spain or Italy than Britain when
immigration controls are lifted next year, the country's foreign minister
has said.

Nikolay Mladenov said Britain is exaggerating the risk of a wave of immigration from Bulgaria from next year with "fearful debates".

Speaking to Sky News's Murnaghan, Mr Mladenov also suggested the UK's efforts to discourage Bulgarian immigrants could "dampen" relations between the two countries.

MPs have raised concerns about a potential influx of immigrants from Romania and Bulgaria, which joined the EU in 2007 ago and agreed to temporary restrictions on movement of their citizens.

Some, including Boris Johnson, the London Mayor, have suggested an extension of these curbs. Others have suggested Britain could launch a negative advertising campaign to put eastern European citizens off Britain.

According to The Observer, Romania has sought assurances from William Hague, the Foreign Secretary, that a promise to lift the controls will be honoured.